American River Futbol Club’s Freedom ’98 girls soccer team placed first in their own ARFC Independence Cup at the Cherry Island Soccer Complex, June 30 and July 1.

Defense consisted of goalkeepers Alexa Gisin and Shannon Fuchs with defensive backs Riley West, Taryn Perez, Megan and Alexa Gisin. Offense proved equally strong with goals scored by many players throughout the tournament. Game one against Yuba Sutter FC saw a 3-2 win with goals by Gabriella O’Connor, Natalie Cowlishaw and Britney Johnson. In Game two Cowlishaw started Freedom ’98 off shooting the first two goals then continued to be a force, assisting the next two with corner kicks to Jaycie Schenone who headed both goals in for a 4-1 defeat over FC Elk Grove’s ‘99 Orange. Game three saw lots of scoring opportunities with an 8-0 victory over FC Elk Grove’s Renegades. Goals included: Gabriella O’Connor (2), Madison Jana, Sarah Kelly (2), Cowlishaw, Angelica Huettl and Hannah Lewandowski.

Advancing to the finals, Freedom ’98 faced their new sister team, also Freedom ’98, for a competitive game. This tournament spectacular would see Coaches Ed and Beth Fuchs and Jeff Lewandowski’s Freedom 98 team victorious with a 2-0 grand finale with Cowlishaw and Kelly scoring goals.

Freedom ’98 is preparing for their next tournament, the Santa Cruz Breakers Cup Aug. 4-5.

American River Futbol Club is the Division 1 competitive soccer program for ARYSL. It is both CYSA-North and US Club Soccer affiliated and offers an alternative to higher-priced programs servicing players from Sacramento through Placerville. For more information visit americanriverfc.com.